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Broccoli CafeB+Worth Trying

Name: Broccoli Cafe
Address: 69 Hornsey Rd, London N7 6DG, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.6

69 Hornsey Rd, London N7 6DG · Cafe · 4.6/5 Google (379 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Sunny neighborhood cafe for creative brunch, standout coffee, and roomy work-friendly seating, but service can wobble on match days and allergen handling needs attention.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Broccoli Cafe delivers excellent coffee and creative Mediterranean-influenced brunch with strong loyal local following, but inconsistent execution on allergen requests and mixed food safety signals prevent a higher grade. Spacious, laptop-friendly seating and fair pricing make it competitive with respected neighborhood cafes, though service can strain on match days and allergen-sensitive diners should verify orders carefully.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling with sofas, open kitchen views, and a steady hum of locals, laptop workers, and match-day fans. Service is often friendly and helpful, with several guests praising small kindnesses like looking after bags for a large group. One diner summed up the vibe: "I settled in with coffee and cake and felt looked after," though another noted music that can skew more club than cafe. The cooking leans modern brunch with Mediterranean accents: think shakshuka with tofu, zaatar yogurt on flatbreads, and bright salads alongside pancakes and Benedicts. Coffee gets repeated applause, and portions are satisfying without being heavy. Pricing sits in the mid-range for Islington, offering solid value for the quality, but expect slowdowns on match days when the room gets slammed. Families do well here thanks to pancakes and smoothies, eggs on toast, and sweet options like French toast. There is GF bread and vegan options on the menu, but recent reports flag mistakes with gluten-free requests, so parents of kids with strict allergies should speak clearly with staff and verify items at the table before serving.

At a Glance

Excellent coffee and creative brunch with Mediterranean touches
Spacious, laptop-friendly seating with outlets; good for remote work
Allergen handling inconsistency reported in multiple recent reviews
Service slows considerably on Arsenal match days
Music volume/energy can feel high for a cafe at times

What Sets It Apart

creative_brunch_with_mediterranean_influence
work_friendly_space_with_outlets
salad_counter_meal_deal

What People Love

Rich, well-made coffee drinks
Flavorful shakshuka and halloumi combos
Fresh salads and good-value meal deal
Cozy, roomy space that welcomes lingering

Points of Concern

Multiple recent complaints about gluten-free/allergen miscommunication including incorrect items served
Service speed and attentiveness drop on busy match days; long waits reported
Isolated cleanliness/safety allegations (mouse sighting; historic glass shard) contrasted by many clean, open-kitchen mentions
Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some short generic 5-stars) which may not reflect a typical experience

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£22-33 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

For a balanced brunch, pair Eggs Florentine (£11.50) with a coffee and share pancakes (small £8) for dessert.
Light lunch tip: Soup & Salad (£9.90) is solid value and avoids the match-day kitchen bottleneck.

Perfect For

Casual weekend brunch before or after a match
Remote work sessions with good coffee and Wi-Fi
Meetups with friends who want both sweet and savory brunch
Families seeking pancakes and approachable options

Location Insights

Area: Mixed residential and match-day footfall near Emirates Stadium; community cafe with laptop-friendly vibe.

Safety: Generally safe urban corridor with steady daytime traffic; busier and rowdier around matches.

Nearby: Near Arsenal Emirates Stadium, shops along Holloway/Hornsey Rd, transit via Finsbury Park/Holloway Road.

HollowayA dynamic and evolving neighborhood with a mix of traditional terraced houses, modern developments, and a diverse dining and retail scene. Known for its affordable housing and proximity to central London.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday07:30–18:00 Tuesday07:30–18:00 Wednesday07:30–18:00 Thursday07:30–18:00 Friday07:30–18:00 Saturday08:30–18:00 Sunday09:00–17:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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